God’s Word Endures
Bryan Galloway
Scripture:
“Forever, O Lord, You word is settled in heaven.” —Psalm 119:89 (NKJV)
In 1947, a shepherd in Israel discovered ancient manuscripts hidden in caves near the Dead Sea. These documents, now known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, date from approximately the third century BC to the first century AD and include some of the oldest known copies of Old Testament books.
One of the most significant discoveries was the Great Isaiah Scroll, which is more than one thousand years older than previously known Hebrew manuscripts. When scholars compared it with the biblical text used today, they found remarkable agreement, confirming how faithfully Scripture has been preserved through the centuries.
The scrolls also reveal a people longing for the coming Messiah and God’s promised kingdom. They provide valuable insight into the world into which Jesus was born and help us better understand the spiritual climate of the New Testament era.
For the churches of the Denton Baptist Association, the Dead Sea Scrolls offer an encouraging reminder that God’s Word is trustworthy and enduring. While our faith rests in Jesus Christ, discoveries such as these strengthen our confidence that the Bible we proclaim today is the same message God has faithfully preserved for generations.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” —Isaiah 40:8
DBA Reflection:Â As we make disciples and reach our communities with the Gospel, may
we do so with unwavering confidence in the truth and reliability of God’s Word.